Geeky and repressed mama's boy Kenny Wemys (a creepy and convincing performance by Tony Beckley) is the toxic product of a strict religious upbringing that compels him to go out and kill any women that he perceives as immoral. Kenny's heinous misdeeds can be traced to an austere evangelical Christian sect called the Brethren who are led by a fire'n'brimstone minister (a typically intense and vibrant portrayal by Patrick Magee).
Director Robert Hartford-Davis keeps the engrossing story moving along at a constant pace, maintains a grimly sober tone throughout, delivers a satisfying smattering of brutal violence and tasty female nudity, and stages the savage murder set pieces with appropriately nasty aplomb. Brian Comport's bold script makes a pertinent and provocative point on how severely enforced religious principles can cause someone to go dangerously off the deep end. This film further benefits from sound contributions by Ann Todd as Kenny's domineering and overprotective mother Birdy, Madeleine Hinde as fetching and snoopy nurse Brigitte Lynch, Suzanna Leigh as sassy reporter Paddy Lynch, and Percy Herbert as a sleazy police commissioner. Both the funky-throbbing score by Robert Kerr and Tony Osborne and a couple of groovy gospel rock songs that are belted out with rip-roaring gusto by Maxine Barrie hit the right-on swinging spot. A nice slice of edgy early 70's British horror.
Director Robert Hartford-Davis keeps the engrossing story moving along at a constant pace, maintains a grimly sober tone throughout, delivers a satisfying smattering of brutal violence and tasty female nudity, and stages the savage murder set pieces with appropriately nasty aplomb. Brian Comport's bold script makes a pertinent and provocative point on how severely enforced religious principles can cause someone to go dangerously off the deep end. This film further benefits from sound contributions by Ann Todd as Kenny's domineering and overprotective mother Birdy, Madeleine Hinde as fetching and snoopy nurse Brigitte Lynch, Suzanna Leigh as sassy reporter Paddy Lynch, and Percy Herbert as a sleazy police commissioner. Both the funky-throbbing score by Robert Kerr and Tony Osborne and a couple of groovy gospel rock songs that are belted out with rip-roaring gusto by Maxine Barrie hit the right-on swinging spot. A nice slice of edgy early 70's British horror.